Currently, to be a flight medic, a soldier must be a qualified combat medic and be in a flight medic slot, but since flight medics operate under different conditions those requirements are changing to reflect that.

“The medics need additional training as flight medics as they do a higher standard of care and in a different environment than a line medic on the ground,” Ricketts said.

The program is designed to emphasize that fact and focus on training soldiers on those additional skills needed as a flight medic.

“The benefit is the best battlefield medicine and care that a soldier can get,” she said.